Bird strike forces emergency landing by Coast Guard aircrew

MIAMI — A Coast Guard Air Station Miami MH-65 Dolphin helicopter, while on routine flight, made an emergency landing at approximately 10:30 a.m. Thursday on the beach near the southern side of Key Biscayne due to possible damage caused by a bird strike.

The aircrew consists of two pilots, a flight mechanic, and a rescue swimmer. There were no reported injuries.

A damage assessment to the aircraft is being conducted to determine if it can safely fly. In the event the aircraft cannot safely be flown, the air station will execute a ground recovery operation to trailer the aircraft and return to its home unit in Opa Locka, Fla.